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Natural Therapies

Why are health funds no longer able to cover certain natural therapies?

As part of its reforms, the government commissioned a review of a number of natural therapies. This was to assess their safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness.

The report found there was insufficient evidence that some of those therapies were effective, so they shouldn’t be (part or fully) funded by health funds. That means we’re no longer able to cover them.

If you’re wondering why the government should have a say in which therapies health funds can cover, it’s because any government rebate you may be entitled to also applies to extras.

Which therapies are being excluded? And when?

As of 1 April 2019, whichever health fund you go to, you won’t be able to claim for:

Alexander technique

aromatherapy

Bowen therapy

Buteyko

Feldenkrais

Western herbalism

homeopathy

iridology

kinesiology

naturopathy

Pilates

reflexology

Rolfing

Shiatsu

Tai chi

yoga.

We didn’t offer cover for everything listed above through our extras, but we’ve included the full list so you can see what’ll be excluded at every Australian health fund.

Which natural therapies can I still claim for under HCF extras?

We offer cover for:

acupuncture

Chinese herbal medicine

remedial massage

myotherapy.

Which therapies you can claim for will depend on your level of cover.

Will I be able to access any of the excluded therapies under HCF Health Management Programs?

No. As per the government reforms, you won’t be able to claim for these therapies through your extras cover, even via one of our Health Management Programs.